(Ecofin Agency) - Gabon's military regime is preparing to hand over power to civilians. The transition period is due to end in August 2025 with the holding of elections.

In Gabon, the current military administration is considering returning power to civilians within two years. On Monday, November 13, the Committee for Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) announced the holding of general elections in August 2025, including the democratic election of a new civilian president. The detailed schedule of these events was officially disclosed the evening of the same day by Colonel Ulrich Manfoumbi, spokesperson for the military government, during a live broadcast on the state television channel Gabon Première.

However, this timeline remains a "draft indicative project," with the final adoption to be determined through an inclusive national dialog. The junta has announced its intention to initiate these national consultations in April 2024, followed by a constitutional review by the end of 2024. This process aims to culminate in the adoption of a new national law through a referendum. The conclusion of the transition, set for August 2025, will only take place after work on the electoral register.

The release of this timeline comes two months after the military coup which resulted in the current military rule in Gabon. President Ali Bongo Ondimba, re-elected at the end of August 2023 amid the electoral process, was sidelined by the coup leaders, who cited rigged elections and a corrupt regime. They said they wanted to get the country back on the right path before "restoring power to civilians". But the coup prompted sanctions from regional and international organizations.

The country has been suspended by the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). Several international partners have also imposed sanctions, demanding a return to democratic governance.

Since October 9, CTRI has been calling for an "inventory of problems", which should lead to a "synthesis of solutions" report by December.